John R. Filak, 69, of Oak Creek, Wisconsin, passed away on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at his home. He was born December 13, 1948, to John S. and Joy S. (Lang) Filak and grew up in South Milwaukee as the eldest boy in a large and loving family. John graduated from Don Bosco High School and from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, with a degree in mathematics. Shortly after graduation, he joined Northwestern Mutual, serving more than 35 years with the company. One of the projects he spoke most fondly of was working as an in-house researcher, helping to locate beneficiaries for outstanding payable policies.
John was an accomplished singer, serving as the anchor bass in barber shop quartets, choruses, and church choirs in the Milwaukee area. His early love of theater was encouraged by his mother, Joy, and family members still fondly recollect his high school performance as Harold Hill in The Music Man. John spent the early 1970s as a member of Robert Simpson’s “The Brothers & Sisters”, touring the U.S. and performing at conventions, state fairs, and special engagements. Throughout life, John always enjoyed caroling at the holidays, listening to Christmas music, and discovering new singers and a cappella groups.
One of John’s favorite pastimes was watching and riding trains, a fascination that stemmed from early childhood and never changed. Weekends and family trips often included visits to nearby train museums or scenic railways. Model railroading was a long-time hobby of his, and he was thrilled to share his enthusiasm for trains with his grandchildren later in life.
John is survived by his daughter, Katharine Greenbaum and her husband David Greenbaum; his grandchildren, Joshua and Alexandra Greenbaum; his brothers and sisters: Mary (Filak) Shingledecker, Mark Filak, Jean (Filak) Wood, Ruth (Filak) Tesensky, Paul Filak, and Jim Filak and their spouses; and his nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, John S. and Joy S. Filak, and his brothers John L. and Tom Filak.
A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 28, 2018, at Divine Mercy Parish, 800 Marquette Avenue, South Milwaukee 53172. Burial will follow at Holy Sepulcher in Cudahy.

Molthen-Bell Funeral Home
Serving the Family
700 Milwaukee Ave.
South Milwaukee, WI 53172
(414)762-0154
www.molthenbell.com

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